Kane County Clerk's Office Launches Student Election Judge Challenge for High Schools
High school juniors and seniors across Kane County are invited to participate in a countywide high school competition to help recruit student election judges for the 2026 General Election.
Each school year, Kane County Clerk, John A. Cunningham sends Election Dept. staff members to local high schools to present voting information and recruit student judges.
“Educating and engaging young people is vital to the future of elections," according to Cunningham.
This year, the Kane County Clerk's Office Election Department is challenging Kane County high schools to see which school can onboard the most student election judges ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3, 2026.
The high school with the most student judges serving on Election Day will be announced on Nov. 18, 2026. The winning high school will receive a special award from the County Clerk Cunningham, and countywide recognition.
Earn Money While Serving Your Community
Student election judges play an important role in helping voters and supervising polling place activities on Election Day. Students can earn up to $250 per election after completing required training and working the full Election Day shift.
As part of the election team, student judges share the same responsibilities and authority as adult election judges.
Responsibilities Include:
- Attending an in-person training class
- Completing online training and passing a quiz
- Opening and closing the polling place
- Setting up election equipment
- Assisting voters
- Signing in voters and verifying voter qualifications
- Operating voting equipment
- Processing and transmitting votes at the end of the day
- Certifying vote totals
- Maintaining an apolitical environment in the vote center
- Lifting up to 30 pounds
Election judges work a full day; arriving by 5 a.m. and remaining until after the polls close and voting equipment is packed up around 8 p.m.
Eligibility Requirements
Under Illinois law (ILCS 5/13-4), student election judges must:
- Be a U.S. citizen by Election Day
- Be a high school junior or senior in good standing at a public or private secondary school
- Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Successfully complete election judge training
- Obtain written approval from their high school principal
- Obtain written approval from a parent or legal guardian
How to Apply
Students may apply through Oct. 2, 2026, by completing the application available here: Student Election Judge Application (fillable pdf)
Completed applications should be submitted to Paula Weisserth, Kane County Student Election Judge Coordinator.
Signed applications may be:
- Scanned in and emailed to: weisserthpaula@kanecountyil.gov
- Mailed to: Kane County Elections
Attn: Paula Weisserth
719 S. Batavia Ave., Building B
Geneva, IL 60134 - Dropped off in person at the above address during regular business hours 8:30-4:30PM.
For more information, students may contact the Kane County Clerk's Office Election Department by going online at https://clerk.kanecountyil.gov/Elections/Pages/Election-Personnel.aspx
